BTEC Assignment Brief

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in

Engineering
Qualification Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in
Engineering

Unit number and title Unit 7: Calculus to solve engineering problems

A: Examine how differential calculus can be used to solve

Learning aim(s) engineering problems

Assignment title Solving Engineering problems using calculus

Assessor
Issue date

Hand in deadline

Vocational Scenario or You are working as a Trainee at an analytics firm involved in

Context providing customized solutions for larger engineering customers.

Your solutions to the following problems will determine your

suitability for various roles within the firm.

Task 1 Produce a report that contains written descriptions, analysis and

mathematics that shows how calculus can be used to solve
engineering problems as set out below.

1 The equation for a distance, P(m), travelled in time t(s) by an

object starting with an initial velocity u(ms-1) and uniform
acceleration a(ms-2) is:

1 2
P=ut + a t
2
The tasks are to:

a) Plot a graph of distance (P) vs time (t) for the first 15s of
motion if u=20 m s−1 and a=4 m s−2.
b) Determine the gradient of the graph at t=3 s and t=8 s.
c) Differentiate the equation to find the functions for

i) (
Velocity v=
dP
dt )
( )
2
dv d P
ii) Acceleration a= = 2
dt dt
d) Use your result from part c to calculate the velocity at
t=3 s and t=8 s.
e) Compare your results for part b and part d.

2 The displacement of a mass is given by the function

y=sin 4 t .

The tasks are to:

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BTEC International Level 3 Authorised Assignment Brief Unit 7 Learning Aim A – Issue 1 January 2020
 a) Draw a graph of the displacement y(m) against time t(s)
for the time t=0 s to t=3 s .
b) Identify the position of any turning points and whether
they are maxima, minima or points of inflexion.
c) Calculate the turning points of the function using
differential calculus and show which are maxima, minima
or points of inflexion by using the second derivative.
Compare your results from parts b and c.

3 The equation for the instantaneous voltage across a discharging

−t
capacitor is given by v=V e τ , where V O is the initial voltage
O
and τ is the time constant of the circuit.

The tasks are to:

a) Draw a graph of voltage against time for V O =10V and

τ =2 s , between t=0 s and t=10 s .
b) Calculate the gradient at t=2 s and t=5 s .
−t dv
c) Differentiate v=10 e 2 and calculate the value of at
dt
t=2 s and t=5 s .
d) Compare your answers for part b and part c.
e) Calculate the second derivative of the instantaneous voltage

( )
2
d v
2 .
dt
4 The same capacitor circuit is now charged up to 12V and the

( ).
−t
instantaneous voltage is v=15 1−e 3

The tasks are to:

dv
a) Differentiate v with respect to t to give an equation for .
dt
dv
b) Calculate the value of at t=3 s and t=5 s .
dt

( )
2
d v
c) Find the second derivative 2 .
dt

5 The gain of an amplifier is found to be G=4 log ( 12 V out ),

The tasks are to find equations for:

dG
a)
d V Out
2
d G
b) 2
d V Out
6 The displacement, y (m), of a body in damped oscillation is
−2 t
y=3 e sin 4 t .
2
BTEC International Level 3 Authorised Assignment Brief Unit 7 Learning Aim A – Issue 1 January 2020
 The task is to use the Product Rule to find an equation for the
dy
velocity of the object if v= .
dt

7 The velocity of a moving vehicle is given by the equation

5
v=( 3 t+5 )

The task is to:

a) Use the Chain Rule to determine an equation for the

dv
acceleration when a= .
dt
sin 2 t
8 A communication signal is given by the function y=
t

The task is to:

dy
a) Derive and equation for using the Quotient Rule.
dt
9 A company is required to fence off the area around a robot arm
to comply with health and safety law. They have 640m of
fencing available

The task is to:

a) Find the maximum area they can fence off?

10 You plan to make a simple, open topped box from a piece of

sheet metal by cutting a square – of equal size – from each corner
and folding up the sides as shown in the diagram:

If l=400 mm and w=250 mm calculate:

a) The value of x which will give the maximum volume

b) The maximum volume of the box

c) Comment of the value obtained in part b.

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BTEC International Level 3 Authorised Assignment Brief Unit 7 Learning Aim A – Issue 1 January 2020
Checklist of evidence Your informal report should contain:
required
● analysis
● worked solutions to the problems

Each worked solution should be laid out clearly and contain

brief explanations of the stages of the calculation to indicate
your understanding of how calculus can be used to solve an
engineering problem. You explanation should be detailed in
response to questions 9 and 10 to show how the variables
are optimised in each case. Graphs should be well
presented and clearly labelled and comparisons between
methods should be accurate and well presented.

Criteria covered by this task:

Unit/Criteria
To achieve the criteria you must show that you are able to:
reference
Evaluate, using technically correct language and a logical structure, the
correct graphical and analytical differential calculus solutions for each
7/A.D1
type of given routine and non-routine function, explaining how the
variables could be optimised in at least two functions.
Find accurately the graphical and analytical differential calculus
solutions and, where
7/A.M1
appropriate, turning points for each type of given routine and non-
routine function and compare the results.
Find the first and second derivatives for each type of given routine
7/A.P1
function.
Find, graphically and analytically, at least two gradients for each type
7/A.P2
of given routine function.
Find the turning points for given routine polynomial and trigonometric
7/A.P3
functions.

Sources of information mathsisfun.com/index.htm

to support you with
this Assignment mathcentre.ac.uk/students/topics

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BTEC International Level 3 Authorised Assignment Brief Unit 7 Learning Aim A – Issue 1 January 2020